WEAC has created more election resources than ever before as we approach the critical November 6 election. We have our Elections Resource Page at weac.org/election, and have made it easy for you to find out who WEAC and NEA are recommending in your area, just by going to weac.org/vote. We’ve also created a document at weac.org/clerks with phone numbers of your local clerks so you can call them and find out when early voting hours are in your community. We’ve also created a document at weac.org/opportunities that lists ways you can get involved in the election. Finally, every day, we are gathering news articles and organizing them on our Politics and Elections Board, to help you keep up with the latest news and developments.

Two great active WEAC Region 7 members in South Milwaukee – Hallie Schmeling and Joanna Rizzotto – were honored with Channel 12 News’ Top Teacher award. Both teach at the REAL Academy, South Milwaukee’s educator-designed, in-house alternative education high school. The Channel 12 News story is full of insights and inspiration applicable to every educational setting.

Eau Claire Association of Educators members trust their leaders and are willing to work with them to get things done. That is why, ECAE leaders told WEAC Vice President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen, the ECAE is a growing association that has had significant successes in recent years. “Our continued success in membership growth has made us stronger,” ECAE Building Representative Brian Wiltgen told Peggy for her latest Spotlight on Locals column. “And we aren’t stopping now.”

In an analysis of the Wisconsin governor’s race, the Washington Post says state residents are not buying Scott Walker’s ironic claim that he is the ‘education governor,’ and instead recognize that he has severely cut public school budgets and worked to undermine respect for educators. “Though the election is still a few weeks away and anything can happen, (Democrat Tony) Evers has been leading in recent polls, and Walker’s efforts to recast himself as the ‘education governor’ don’t appear to have convinced his critics. His education ‘reform’ agenda could be coming back to bite him at a time when interest in supporting public education in Wisconsin seems to be growing among many residents at the local level,” the article states.

River Falls educator Maggie Watson, a member of WEAC Region 1, uses her creativity and talent to advocate for her union, personally drawing eye-catching posters for each district staff workroom explaining the benefits of an active union. Maggie says a handwritten poster will always get teachers’ attention in a way that printed advertising won’t.